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If you already own a VersaTube barn, we bet one of the deciding factors was how structurally sound steel is. It’s one of the best, if not the best, building material when it comes to barns. Even so, there’s always safety issues to keep in mind when constructing and then maintaining your barn. It isn’t hard to make sure your barn is safe and stays a safe place to house your horses. We have a few suggestions to help you feel confident you’re doing everything you can to protect your horses.

Stalls

To protect both your animal and your barn from kicks, stalls should be lined with 2” thick hardwood to at least 5’ tall. Gaps at the bottom of the stall should be less than 3”. Regularly inspect stalls to spot any damage early and replace wood panels as needed. Also check for sharp edges, tips of nails, and other hazards.

When it comes to stall flooring, you want something that is easy on the legs of your horses and absorbs moisture - or lets it drain away. Sand is generally considered to be a good (and inexpensive option); concrete floors covered with grid mats are another great one.

Roof

When your VersaTube structure is housing animals, periodic inspections of the roof are recommended. Once a year or so, inspect the fasteners and check for any loose screws. Tighten or replace as needed so you can rest assured that in high winds your roof will be secured.

Windows

Glass windows should always be well out of every horses’ reach. Do you have a window within horse height? Switch out the glass for plexiglass and cover it with bars or mesh. Recessed windows are also best if they’re within a horses reach.

Search out anything that can spook horses

Okay, that might be an impossible task since the list of things that can spook horses is longer than we can tackle. But, there are a few things you can do to minimize the risk. First, secure any items that can fall over and make a noise that would spook a horse. From trash cans and equipment in the aisle to bottles on a desk, avoid leaving anything out.  Also keep in mind that a horse usually spooks more in a new environment. If you recently built your new barn, more frequent spooking should be expected. Give him some time, and he’ll settle down.

Inspect the rest of your barn

Inspections and vigilance are really the best way to keep your horse safe. Routinely check any stall locks, fire extinguishers, electrical outlets and fixtures, and other equipment. Have periodic fire and safety drills. Possibly most important of all: make sure barn rules are well known and always followed.

Whether you have an existing barn or you’re just starting the planning stages of building one, hopefully these points have given you some tips for making sure your horses are safe. We believe a VersaTube barn is one of the best options when it comes to protecting your horses. Are you ready to design your own barn? Check out our VersaTube barn models!